Virginia Air Board Vote to Exit Climate Pact Sets Up Legal Fight

A Virginia air pollution board voted to pull the state out of a climate pact with 11 Northeastern states, delivering on the governor’s campaign pledge while setting up legal challenges from environmental advocates.

The 4-3 vote Wednesday by the state’s Air Pollution Control Board came on the heels of a presentation by the state’s environmental secretary, Travis Voyles, urging Virginia’s withdrawal.

The move faces almost certain litigation, as environmental and climate advocates argue that it conflicts with state law that put Virginia in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a cap and trade program launched by Northeastern states roughly 15 years ...